Space-saving rack

ABSTRACT

A rack for transporting and storing carriers includes a base, rolling members connected to the base, a frame, and a bumper portion. The base may include projecting portions extending outward relative to the corner regions of the frame. The frame extends upwardly from the base and includes supports for supporting carriers. The supports have metal surfaces for contacting the carriers. The bumper portion is disposed on at least a peripheral portion of the rack and is formed of plastic. A first elongated restraining member may be provided to inhibit carriers from being removed from the frame.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/355,835, filed Feb. 13, 2002, and U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/418,178, filed Oct. 15, 2002.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a rack and, more particularly,to a rack for carrying food products.

[0004] 2. Description of Related Art

[0005] Racks are often used in commercial kitchens to hold and transportfood products. For example, racks are used to hold hot sheet pans afterthey have been removed from an oven. Racks also can be used to carryitems such as food boxes, insert pans, and food trays.

[0006] Conventional racks typically have frames and supports that areformed entirely of metal. Such racks have disadvantages due to theirall-metal construction. For example, a user's hands may stick to themetal when the rack is used in cold applications. Also, sharp edges onthe metal parts may injure users or those around them or can damageitems contacted by the racks. In addition, the racks are notaesthetically pleasing.

[0007] Conventional racks also can be unstable due to their design. Theracks are typically relatively tall and slender. This configuration cancause them to tip during transport or if they are subjected to asignificant lateral force.

[0008] Carriers, such as sheet pans, that are supported by conventionalracks can slide out of position when being loaded or transported.Conventional racks often have vertically displaced supports, which areopen at two opposing ends. Consequently, the sheet pans are not fixed inplace on the supports.

[0009] These racks also can occupy much valuable space. Often manydifferent racks are required because racks of different sizes are neededto hold items of different sizes. Also multiple racks of the same sizeare often required in a kitchen producing a high volume of foodproducts. When the racks are not being used, the floor space they occupycan be significant. This is not only undesirable in a commercial kitchenwhere space can be at a premium, but it can be hazardous.

[0010] In addition, in a commercial kitchen producing a high volume offood products, it can be difficult to move those products. Conventionalracks can be difficult to maneuver. Additionally, a person typically canonly move one rack at a time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] An aspect of the present invention relates to a rack fortransporting and storing carriers. The rack includes a base and rollingmembers connected to the base. The rack also includes a frame extendingupwardly from the base. The frame includes a plurality of supports forsupporting carriers. The supports have metal surfaces for contacting thecarriers. The rack also includes a bumper portion on at least aperipheral portion of the rack, wherein the bumper portion is formed ofplastic.

[0012] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a rack fortransporting and storing carriers. The rack has a frame including aplurality of supports for supporting carriers. The frame has cornerregions within which the carriers can be positioned. The rack alsoincludes a base supporting the frame, the base including projectingportions extending outward relative to the corner regions of the frame.The rack further includes rolling members connected to the projectingportions.

[0013] Yet another aspect of the present invention relates to a rack fortransporting and storing carriers. The rack includes a base, rollingmembers connected to the base, and a frame extending upwardly from thebase. The frame includes a plurality of supports for supportingcarriers, and a first elongated restraining member extendingsubstantially vertically. The first elongated restraining member ismoveable substantially horizontally between a hold position in which thefirst elongated restraining member inhibits carriers from being removedfrom the frame and an unload position in which the first elongatedrestraining member permits carriers to be removed from the frame.

[0014] Yet another aspect of the present invention relates to a rack fortransporting and storing sheet pans. The rack includes a first sidepanel including wire runners for supporting sheet pans, a second sidepanel including wire runners for supporting sheet pans, and a connectorthat connects the first side panel and the second side panel. Theconnector is configured to be moveable from an open position in whichthe first wire side panel is located a maximum distance from the secondwire side panel to a folded position in which the first wire side panelis located a minimum distance from the second wire side panel.

[0015] It is to be understood that both the foregoing generaldescription and the following detailed description are exemplary andexplanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in andconstitute a part of this specification, illustrate preferredembodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve toexplain principles of the invention.

[0017]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of arack according to the present invention.

[0018]FIG. 2 is a side view of the rack of FIG. 1.

[0019]FIG. 3 is a front view of the rack of FIG. 1.

[0020]FIG. 4 is a top view of the rack of FIG. 1.

[0021]FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of a restraining memberand a top connector of the rack of FIG. 1.

[0022]FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of a restraining memberand a base of the rack of FIG. 1.

[0023]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of arack according to the present invention.

[0024]FIG. 8 is a side view of the rack of FIG. 7.

[0025]FIG. 9 is a front view of the rack of FIG. 7.

[0026]FIG. 10 is a top view of the rack of FIG. 7.

[0027]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a third preferred embodiment of arack according to the present invention in an open position.

[0028]FIG. 12 is a partial bottom view of a top connector of the rack ofFIG. 11.

[0029]FIG. 13 is a bottom view of a base of the rack of FIG. 11.

[0030]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the rack of FIG. 11 in a foldedposition.

[0031]FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a fourth preferred embodiment ofa rack according to the present invention in an open position.

[0032]FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a hinge of the rack of FIG. 15.

[0033]FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the rack of FIG. 15 in a foldedposition.

[0034]FIG. 18 is a perspective view of multiple racks of the type shownin FIG. 15, which have been nested.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferredembodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings. An effort has been made to use the same referencenumbers throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

[0036] FIGS. 1-6 show a first preferred embodiment of a rack 10 fortransporting and storing carriers 90 according to the present invention.The carriers 90 can be, for example, sheet pans, trays, or boxes. Therack 10 includes a base 20, a top connector 30, a frame 40, rollingmembers 50, and bumper portions 70.

[0037] The base 20 can provide support for the frame 40. The base 20preferably is an integral member formed of plastic by, for example,injection molding. A particularly preferred plastic is polypropylene,although other plastics can be used, such as high-density polyethylene.The base 20 can be configured to receive a lower portion 41 of the frame40. For example, the lower portion 41 of the frame 40 can be connectedto the base 20 by conventional techniques. For example, threads (notshown) can be provided on the lower portion 41 and nuts (not shown) canbe attached to the threads after the lower portion 41 is insertedthrough the base 20. The base 20 preferably includes an outer portion22, which extends around the periphery of the base 20 and forms asubstantially rectangular outer shape, and an inner portion 24, which islocated within the outer portion 22 and has a substantially X-shape thatprovides structural stability while maintaining light weight.

[0038] The top connector 30 can assist in maintaining the frame 40 in anappropriate position. The top connector 30 is preferably an integralmember formed of plastic by, for example, injection molding. Aparticularly preferred plastic is polypropylene, although other plasticscan be used, such as high-density polyethylene. The top connector 30 canbe configured to receive an upper portion 42 of the frame 40. Forexample, the upper portion 42 of the frame 40 can be connected to thetop connector 30 by conventional techniques. For example, threads (notshown) can be provided on the upper portion 42 and nuts (not shown) canbe attached to the threads after the upper portion 42 is insertedthrough the top connector 30. As shown in FIG. 4, the top connector 30preferably includes an outer portion 32, which extends around theperiphery of the top connector 30 and forms-a substantially rectangularouter shape, and an inner portion 34, which is located within the outerportion 32 and has a substantially X-shape that provides structuralstability while maintaining light weight.

[0039] The frame 40 is configured to support carriers 90, such as sheetpan racks that are used in commercial kitchens. The frame 40 preferablyincludes a first side panel 43 and a second side panel 44. The first andsecond side panels 43, 44 extend between the base 20 and the topconnector 30.

[0040] The first and second side panels 43, 44 preferably each includeouter vertically extending members 45 and inner vertically extendingmembers 46. The outer vertically extending members 45 can form cornerregions 47 of the frame 40. The inner vertically extending members 46provide a lateral boundary and thus assist in retaining the carriers 90on the frame 40. Preferably the carriers 90 can be fit within the cornerregions 47 and are held laterally in place in at least one direction bythe inner vertically extending members 46. Each of the inner and outervertically extending members 45, 46 preferably are formed of heavy metalrods, which can have an outside diameter of ¼ inch.

[0041] The first and second side panels 43, 44 also preferably eachinclude supports 48 that extend between the outer vertically extendingmembers 45. The supports 48 can be connected to the outer verticallyextending members 45 by conventional means, such as welding. Thesupports 48 preferably are configured to support carriers 90. Thesupports 48 each have a contact surface 49 that contacts the carriers90. See FIG. 2. The contact surface 49 of the supports 48 is preferablyformed of metal, to provide resistance to deformation or damage causedby the high heat of the carrier 90. Also, metal is resistant to abrasioncaused by sliding carriers 90 over the supports 48. As shown in thepreferred embodiment, the entire support 48 is formed of metal. Thesupports 48 can be, for example, formed of heavy metal rods, which canhave an outside diameter of ¼ inch.

[0042] The rolling members 50 can be provided on the rack 10 to providemobility. The rolling members 50 may be, for example, casters that areconnected to the base 20 in a conventional manner. Other conventionalrolling members could be used. Preferably the rolling members 50 arefree to pivot such that they can move in any direction.

[0043] One or more handles 60 can also be provided on the rack. Thisfirst preferred embodiment includes two handles 60. Each handle 60 has agrip or cross member 61 extending between first and second connectingportions 62. The grip member 61 can be fit into recesses in theconnecting portions 61, 62 and held in place by bolts (not shown). Theconnecting portions 62 are preferably connected to the frame 40 byconventional screws that extend into a member (not shown) on an oppositeside of the frame. The grip member 61 is preferably formed of metal andthe first and second connecting portions 62 are preferably formed ofplastic. A particularly preferred plastic is polypropylene, althoughother plastics can be used, such as high-density polyethylene.

[0044] The bumper portion 70 is provided on the rack 10 to reducenegative effects that may result from the bumping the rack 10 intosomething or someone. The bumper portion 70 is preferably made ofplastic, due to its ability to absorb impact. A particularly preferredplastic is polypropylene, although other plastics can be used, such ashigh-density polyethylene. The bumper portion 70 can be provided in onelocation or in a variety of locations on the rack. In this firstpreferred embodiment, bumper portions 70 are provided on the base 20, onthe top connector 30, and on the frame 40. The bumper portion 70 a isformed as part of the base 20 and extends around the periphery of thebase 20. The bumper portion 70 b is formed as part of the top connector30 and extends around the periphery of the top connector 30. The bumperportions 70 c are formed as part of the handles 60 and are provided onthe four corners of the frame 40. Instead of being integral parts of thebase 20, top connector 30, and handles 60, the bumper portions 70 can bemembers attached to those structures.

[0045] A first elongated restraining member 80 can also be provided onthe rack to provide a lateral boundary and assist in retaining thecarriers 90 on the frame 40. The first elongated restraining member 80extends substantially vertically. It is moveable substantiallyhorizontally in the direction of arrow A between a hold position inwhich the first elongated restraining member 80 inhibits carriers 90from being removed from the frame 40 and an unload position in which thefirst elongated restraining member 80 permits carriers 90 to be removedfrom the frame 40. The elongated restraining member 80 can be, forexample, a heavy metal rod, which can have an outside diameter of ⅜inch. The restraining member 80 is preferably pivotally connected to thebase 20 and the top connector 30, although it could be connecteddirectly to the frame 40.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the restraining member 80 includes anupper substantially U-shaped segment 81 and a lower substantiallyS-shaped segment 82. Portions of the segments 81 and 82 are pivotallydisposed in corresponding holes 26 and 36 in the base 20 and topconnector 30, respectively. The pivotal connections allow therestraining member 80 to move between the hold and unload positions. Twodepressions 37 and 38 in the top connector 30 serve as holders that canmaintain the elongated restraining member 80 in the hold and unloadpositions, respectively. The elongated restraining member 80 isautomatically maintained in the hold and unload positions by thedepressions 37 and 38. That is, once the elongated restraining member 80is moved into on of the depressions 37 or 38, no further effort isrequired to maintain the elongated restraining member 80 in thatposition. However, the elongated restraining member 80 is maintained inthat position in a manner that permits the first elongated restrainingmember to later be removed. The upper segment 81 fits into thedepression 37 or 38 and is held in place by the force of a spring 83,which is fixed onto the end of segment 81 by washers 84 and 85 and nut86. The force of the spring 83 can be overcome to move the restrainingmember 80 between the depressions 37, 38. A second elongated restrainingmember 80 can be positioned on a side of the frame 40 opposite to thefirst elongated restraining member.

[0047] FIGS. 7 to 10 show a second preferred embodiment of a rack 110for transporting and storing carriers 90 according to the presentinvention. The rack 110 of this second embodiment is similar to the rack10 of the first embodiment in many respects. In this embodiment,however, the rack 110 has a base 120 with four projecting portions 128extending and projecting outward relative to the corner regions 47 ofthe frame 40. The projecting portions 128 are preferably outriggers thatextend outward from a primary portion 129 of the base 120, as shown inthe drawings. The base could be configured such that the projectingportions project outward relative to the corner regions 47 of the frame40, but do not project outward from the primary portion of the base.That is, the primary portion of the base would fully envelope theprojecting portions.

[0048] In this embodiment, the rolling members 50 are connected to theprojecting portions. The rolling members 50 are preferably positioned onoutermost areas of the projecting portions. The rolling members 50 canbe positioned on the projecting portions at a distance that is at leastabout 1.3 times a width of the frame 40.

[0049] By providing the rolling members 50 on projecting portions 128extending outward relative to the frame 40, the stability of the 110rack is greatly enhanced. A test was conducted to determine thedifference in stability between racks constructed according to the firstand second embodiments. Both racks had frames of the same size, but hadbases of different sizes. The rack according to the first embodiment hada caster footprint (swivel center to swivel center) of 20.286 incheswide by 25.506 inches long. The rack according to the second embodimenthad a caster footprint (swivel center to swivel center) of 27.51 incheswide by 33.48 inches long. The test results are reproduced below: FrontSide Tip (lbf) Tip (lbf) Front Tip (lbf) Side Tip (lbf) No Load No Load175 lbs. Load 175 lbs. Load Emb. 1 15.0 10.5 42.5 31.5 Emb. 2 19.5 14.566.5 52.0 Stability Incr. 30% 38% 56.5% 65%

[0050] As shown by this test, the rack according to the secondembodiment has greatly improved stability. The stability increase isparticularly noticeable when the rack contains carriers that add a loadof 175 lbs.

[0051] FIGS. 11 to 14 show a third preferred embodiment of a rack 210according to the present invention. The rack 210 of this thirdembodiment is similar in some respects to the rack of the firstembodiment. This third embodiment, however, has different structures forthe base 220, top connector 230, and frame 240.

[0052] The frame 240 has first and second side panels 243, 244 thatpreferably each include vertically extending members 245 and supports248 extending between the vertically extending members 245. The supports248 preferably are configured to support carriers 90. The side panels243, 244 are preferably made from metal, such as aluminum or stainlesssteel, but they could be made from plastic. If the side panels 243, 244are made from metal they preferably are formed by stamping or welding.If the side panels are made from plastic, they preferably are formed byinjection molding.

[0053] The base 220 and the top connector 230 position the side panels243, 244 relative to one another. The base 220 and the top connector arepreferably made from plastic by injection molding. They could, however,be made from another material such as metal.

[0054] The base 220 includes a first fixed bottom member 221 connectedto the first side panel 243 by a conventional connection and connectedto a first movable bottom member 223 by a movable connection, such as ahinge 222. The base 220 also includes a second fixed bottom member 224connected to the second side panel 244 by a conventional connection andconnected to a second movable bottom member 226 by a movable connection,such as a hinge 225. As shown in FIG. 3, the first and second movablebottom members 223, 226 are preferably connected by a movableconnection, such as a hinge 227.

[0055] Similarly, the top connector 230 includes a first fixed topmember 231 connected to the first side panel 243 by a conventionalconnection and connected to a first movable top member 233 by a movableconnection, such as a hinge 232. The top connector 230 also includes asecond fixed top member 234 connected to the second side panel 244 by aconventional connection and connected to a second movable top member 236by a movable connection, such as a hinge 235. As shown in FIG. 2, thefirst and second movable top members 233, 236 are preferably connectedby a movable connection, such as a hinge 237.

[0056] The base 220 and top connector 230 can be folded to conservespace when the rack 210 is not in use. As shown in FIG. 14, the base 220and top connector 230 are folded at hinges 222, 227, 225, 232, 237, 235to bring the side panels 243, 244 closer together and reduce the spaceoccupied by the rack 210. The rack 210 can be held in the foldedposition by a pivoting latch 95 having an arm 96 pivotally mounted onthe second movable top member 236 so as to engage a post 97 on the firstmovable top member 233.

[0057] FIGS. 15 to 18 show a fourth preferred embodiment of a rack 310according to the present invention. The rack 310 of this fourthembodiment is similar in many respects to the rack of the thirdembodiment. This fourth embodiment, however, has different structuresfor the base 320 and top connector 330.

[0058] The base 320 and top connector 330 preferably can hold the sidepanels 243, 244 in many positions relative to one another. The base 320and top connector 330 are preferably made from plastic by injectionmolding. They could, however, be made from another material, such asmetal.

[0059] The base 320 includes a first fixed bottom member 321 connectedto the first side panel 243 by a conventional connection and connectedto a movable bottom member 323 by a movable connection, such as a hinge322. The base 320 also includes a second fixed bottom member 324connected to the second side panel 244 by a conventional connection andconnected to the movable bottom member 323 by a movable connection, suchas a hinge 325.

[0060] Similarly, the top connector 330 includes a first fixed topmember 331 connected to the first side panel 243 by a conventionalconnection and connected to a movable top member 333 by a movableconnection, such as a hinge 332. The top connector 330 also includes asecond fixed top member 334 connected to the second side panel 244 by aconventional connection and connected to the movable top member 333 by amovable connection, such as a hinge 335.

[0061] The hinges 322, 325, 332, 335 preferably can be locked in avariety of positions. One hinge (i.e., 332) is shown in FIG. 16 forpurposes of illustration. Preferably, the remaining hinges have the samestructure as the illustrated hinge. Contacting sections of the fixedmember 331 and movable member 333 preferably have holes 382 extendingthrough them. A pin 380 can be inserted in the holes 382 of the fixedmember 331 and movable member 333 to fix those members relative to oneanother. By providing a variety of holes 382, the angular relationshipbetween the fixed member 331 and movable member 333 can be changed, thuschanging the spacing between the first and second side panels 243, 244.Accordingly the width of the rack 310 can be adjusted to accommodatedifferent width trays/containers, such as food boxes, sheet pans, insertpans, and meat trays. This adjustability creates a more flexible rackfor multiple uses.

[0062] The base 320 and top connector 330 also can be folded to conservespace when the rack 310 is not in use. As shown in FIG. 17, the base 320and top connector 330 are folded along hinges 322, 325, 332, 335 tobring the side panels 243, 244 closer together and reduce the spaceoccupied by the rack 310. The rack 310 can be held in the foldedposition by inserting the pin 380 in an appropriate one of the holes 382in hinge 332.

[0063] Additionally, multiple racks 310 can be nested. As shown in FIG.18, one rack 310 can be inserted into another rack 310 to nest the racks310. Nesting of the racks 310 reduces the space needed to store theracks 310 when they are not in use.

[0064] Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practiceof the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specificationand examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope andspirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A rack for transporting and storing carriers,comprising: a base; rolling members connected to the base; a frameextending upwardly from the base, the frame including a plurality ofsupports for supporting carriers, wherein the supports have metalsurfaces for contacting the carriers; and a bumper portion on at least aperipheral portion of the rack, wherein the bumper portion is formed ofplastic.
 2. The rack of claim 1, wherein the base is an integral memberformed of plastic.
 3. The rack of claim 1, wherein the bumper portion isat least one of disposed on and formed as an integral part of aperipheral portion of the base.
 4. The rack of claim 1, wherein thecarriers are sheet pans and the supports are configured to support sheetpans.
 5. The rack of claim 1, wherein the supports are configured suchthat only the metal surfaces contact the carriers.
 6. The rack of claim1, wherein the supports include wire runners.
 7. The rack of claim 1,wherein the bumper portion is at least one of disposed on and formed asan integral part of a peripheral portion of the base.
 8. The rack ofclaim 7, wherein the frame includes a handle, and the bumper portion isat least one of disposed on and formed as an integral part of thehandle.
 9. The rack of claim 1, further comprising a top connector,wherein the top connector is an integral member formed of plastic andthe frame extends upwardly into and is fixed to the top connector. 10.The rack of claim 1, wherein the bumper portion is at least one ofdisposed on and formed as an integral part of a peripheral portion ofthe top connector.
 11. A rack for transporting and storing carriers,comprising: a frame including a plurality of supports for supportingcarriers, the frame having corner regions within which the carriers canbe positioned; a base supporting the frame, the base includingprojecting portions extending outward relative to the corner regions ofthe frame; and rolling members connected to the projecting portions. 12.The rack of claim 11, wherein the carriers are sheet pans and thesupports are configured to support sheet pans.
 13. The rack of claim 11,wherein the supports include wire runners.
 14. The rack of claim 11,wherein the projecting portions include outriggers.
 15. The rack ofclaim 11, wherein the rolling members are positioned on outermost areasof the projecting portions.
 16. The rack of claim 11, wherein therolling members are positioned on the projecting portions at a distancethat is at least about 1.3 times a width of the frame.
 17. The rack ofclaim 11, including four corner regions and four projecting portions.18. A rack for transporting and storing carriers, comprising: a base;rolling members connected to the base; a frame extending upwardly fromthe base, the frame including a plurality of supports for supportingcarriers; and a first elongated restraining member extendingsubstantially vertically, wherein the first elongated restraining memberis moveable substantially horizontally between a hold position in whichthe first elongated restraining member inhibits carriers from beingremoved from the frame and an unload position in which the firstelongated restraining member permits carriers to be removed from theframe, and the first elongated restraining member is automaticallymaintained in the hold and unload positions in a manner that permits thefirst elongated restraining member to later be removed.
 19. The rack ofclaim 18, wherein the carriers are sheet pans and the supports areconfigured to support sheet pans.
 20. The rack of claim 18, wherein thesupports include wire runners.
 21. The rack of claim 18, wherein thefirst elongated restraining member includes a bar that extendssubstantially vertically along the frame.
 22. The rack of claim 18,wherein the first elongated restraining member pivots between the holdposition and the unload position.
 23. The rack of claim 18, furthercomprising a top connector, wherein the frame extends upwardly into andis fixed to the top connector, and the first elongated restrainingmember is pivotally connected to the base and to the top connector. 24.The rack of claim 18, further comprising a maintaining member thatmaintains the first elongated restraining member in the hold position.25. The rack of claim 18, further comprising a second elongatedrestraining member positioned on a side of the frame opposite to thefirst elongated restraining member.
 26. A rack for transporting andstoring sheet pans, comprising: a first side panel including wirerunners for supporting sheet pans; a second side panel including wirerunners for supporting sheet pans; and a connector that connects thefirst side panel and the second side panel, wherein the connector isconfigured to be moveable from an open position in which the first wireside panel is located a maximum distance from the second wire side panelto a folded position in which the first wire side panel is located aminimum distance from the second wire side panel.
 27. The rack of claim26, wherein the connector includes a first fixed base member connectedto the first wire side panel, a second fixed base member connected tothe second wire side panel, and a moveable base member hingedlyconnected to the first and second fixed base members.
 28. A rack ofclaim 27, wherein the connector includes a first fixed top memberconnected to a top of the first wire side panel, a second fixed topmember connected to the top of the second wire side panel, and amoveable top member hingedly connected to the first and second fixed topmembers.